Thoughts on 1984

[Cletta]

While 1984 is what I believe to be a good novel, I think it's above the level of most underclassmen in highschool. I thought it was rather confusing most of the time, and the story line was pretty hard to follow. I would however reccomend this book, but only to students who were 12th grade or beyond. It was a little above my head personally, and even after finishing it I don't think I can appreciate it as much as I would have, if I had a better understanding of it.

[soccer182404]

I know exactaly what you mean I have a hard time reading it too. sometimes I find myself falling asleep because I don't understand whats happening and I feel lost. Even after talking about whats happened with other people I still don't get the full effect on whats going on. one of the big parts I still don't understand is way the thought police didn't catch winston and julia earlier, could you help me understand please?

[winterguardgirl]

I agree 100% some things are way over my head while others I understand very well, but I can understand why they teach it in high school it's a good book but I too find myself falling asleep while reading it we talk about the book every class and half the time I don't know what my English teacher is talking about because I have to reread things about five times because I don't understand.

[ZeppelinForLife]

I believe this book should be read in high school, and read again a few years later when the student has a better understanding of the book. I often found myself losing focus on the book during some of the slower parts. It is an important book that should be read by everybody at least by the time they graduate from college in my opinion.

[pouncingrats]

Well said ol' chap

[iamnotbob]

The most powerful quote from the book 1984 is when Winston says "I understand HOW, but I do not understand WHY." This quote alone can teach people so much. for instance, to understand why, one must question and ponder. For high school students, this can teach the fact that not everything you hear is true. This concept is captured perfectly by Orwell in "1984." He is warning us, and telling the future generations that knowledge is power.

[kev67]

I know exactaly what you mean I have a hard time reading it too. sometimes I find myself falling asleep because I don't understand whats happening and I feel lost. Even after talking about whats happened with other people I still don't get the full effect on whats going on. one of the big parts I still don't understand is way the thought police didn't catch winston and julia earlier, could you help me understand please?

It's been about a year since I read it. The thought police might not have known about Julia because she had been very careful. The thought police had been monitoring Winston for years, but only decided to take action when he and Julia started to take things to the next level. He was probably doing what they considered valuable work. The inner party is very cynical.